More than five dozen firefighters who have died in the line of duty while serving the Los Angeles Fire Department, dating back to 1895, will be honored with street signs at the location of their deaths under a plan unanimously approved today by the City Council.
“This is to commemorate forever those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said City Councilman Mitchell Englander, who introduced the motion.
The street signs will be paid for by the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City union and installed by the Transportation Department, while the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society will provide the names of the 62 firefighters and where they died.
The motion notes that the council in 2014 authorized a program to honor Los Angeles Police Department officers killed in the line of duty through honorary signs near the location of their deaths.
“On November 19, 1895, Fireman Sam Haskins was crushed to death in a horse-drawn fire engine accident. He was the first Los Angeles firefighter killed during an active fire incident. A total of 62 firefighters have died working to protect the residents of the city of Los Angeles,” the motion reads. “The entire city grieves when these incidents occur and it is important to show our collective gratitude to these fallen firefighters. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice make it possible for all Los Angeles residents to feel safe, secure and protected in times of crisis.”
